HB4997 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats.

What is the status of HB4997?

Passed one chamber as of February 16, 2026. Latest action: To Judiciary (February 17, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4997?

Martin, Carl (R, 065), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4997?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4997&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4997: Relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats

Q: What does HB4997 do?

In its own words: To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §62-12-26a, relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children; prohibiting residence within one thousand feet of educational facilities; providing for measurement; and establishing penalties for violations. ARTICLE 12. PROBATION AND PAROLE. §62-12-26a. Residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats to schools or children. (a) Any person convicted of a violation of §61-6-24(b) of this code, where the threat involved an.

Status: Passed one chamber, February 16, 2026

What the bill says

To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §62-12-26a, relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children; prohibiting residence within one thousand feet of educational facilities; providing for measurement; and establishing penalties for violations. ARTICLE 12. PROBATION AND PAROLE. §62-12-26a. Residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats to schools or children. (a) Any person convicted of a violation of §61-6-24(b) of this code, where the threat involved an.

From the engrossed text, January 30, 2026:

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §62-12-26a, relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children; prohibiting residence within one thousand feet of educational facilities; providing for measurement; and establishing penalties for violations. ARTICLE 12. PROBATION AND PAROLE. §62-12-26a. Residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats to schools or children. (a) Any person convicted of a violation of §61-6-24(b) of this code, where the threat involved an educational facility, students, or children at a school, preschool, daycare center, or similar location, shall be prohibited from establishing or maintaining a residence within one thousand feet of the property line of any public or private school, preschool, daycare center, or other educational facility where children are regularly present, during any period of probation, parole, supervised release, or as a condition of sentencing if no supervision is otherwise imposed. (b) The prohibition in subsection (a) of this section applies as a mandatory condition of probation or parole imposed by the court or parole board. If the person is not placed on probation or parole, the sentencing court may impose the residency restriction as part of the judgment order. (c) Proximity under this section shall be measured using reliable methods, including geographic information systems (GIS), property …

Read the full official text

West Virginia HB4997: Relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats

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